BANGKOK, THailand - Since Thailand's military seized power on May 22, 2014, the country has faced unending repression of fundamental rights and freedoms.

Five years after the coup, Thailand is nowhere near the "return to democratic, civilian rule" the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) junta has repeatedly promised.

The March 24 general election was structurally rigged, enabling the military to extend its hold on power. While maintaining a host of repressive laws, the junta dissolved a main opposition party, took control of the national election commission, levied bogus criminal charges against opposition politicians and dissidents, and packed the Senate with generals and cronies who will have the power to determine the next prime minister, regardless of the election results.

Over the past five years, the military has pressured thousands of activists to cease making political comments against the junta and the monarchy. Authorities continue to secretly detain people for up to seven days without charge and interrogate them without access to lawyers or safeguards against mistreatment.

These abusive powers will remain in effect after a new government takes power, and officials will stay immune from all forms of accountability for human rights violations.

The United States, the European Union, and many other countries have repeatedly said that bilateral relations with Thailand can only be normalized when democracy and human rights are fully restored. This means more than just an orderly election day. It means a political environment in which all are freely able to express their views without fear.

The international community should not rush to improve diplomatic and business ties without serious discussions on human rights and the military's prolonged grip on power. It should press Thailand to end persecution of dissidents, lift restrictions on fundamental freedoms, and undertake genuine rights-respecting reforms. Anything else simply falls short.